Few issues are as important and as neglected as church history. God’s people need to understand how their faith is not something new but rather something old, and rooted in the history of God’s redeeming purposes. Church history helps God’s people not only understand what they believe and why it matters but also what the Church has taught throughout its history. This is important since we live in an age where biblical illiteracy is the norm rather than the exception. By studying the Bible and church history, God’s people can begin to understand some about how God has worked throughout the story of history which is His story. In the first volume of 2000 Years of Christ’s Power The Age Of The Early Church Fathers, N.R. Needham writes to help Christians to help Christians learn what God has done in past.

The book covers all the usual territory you would expect a church history volume to cover. Since the scope of this particular book is the early church and the early church fathers the author explains the significant events and beliefs that shaped the early church. Along the way the author also examines what I think is the most unique aspect of this volume and that is the theological significance of particular movements in the church. While other church history books do this I enjoyed how Needham explained crucial events in the history of the Church.

This volume is part one of a four part series which aim to cover the history of the church from the earliest days to modern times. Those who enjoy church history will enjoy these well-written volumes. Those who haven’t studied church history will find this volume very accessible and easy to understand. Pastors and preachers in particular will gain from this series and want to add the other volumes in this series to the library. Every Christian will benefit from reading this book. This particular volume examines the early church father and includes the stories of martyrs such as Polycarp, theologians like Athanasius and Augustine of Hippo and preachers like John Chrysostom.

Whether you’re well-read on the topic of church history or you’re brand new, this series of volumes on church history will help you gain further insight into what the Church has taught throughout its 2014 years. I enjoyed the theological reflection of the author and the insight he provided even to someone whose read and owns quite a few church history books. I highly recommend this volume and can’t wait to read and share my thoughts on the other books in this series in future reviews.

Title: 2000 Years of Christ’s Power Part One The Age Of The Early Church Fathers

Author: N.R. Needham

Publisher: EP Books (1997)

I received this book for free from EP Books for this review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”